Building record MAB5287 - CLASHACH QUARRY

Carvings and remains of a probable building In a cave within the quarry site (NJ17SE0016).

Carvings and remains of a probable building In a cave within the quarry site (NJ17SE0016). RCAHMS record graffiti of a ship, and remains of a wall and fireplace at the mouth of the cave. The cave (Quarrymen's Cave) was investigated in 2018 as part of the Covesea Caves Project, using laser scanning. It measures circa 38m long, with a maximum width of around 10.5m, the roof 6m high at the entrance reducing to circa 3m at the rear. Carvings of three ships and two names are visible to the west of the cave mouth, probably dating from the 19th century. Two of the ships are 19th centiry schooners rigged with square topsails on the main masts. Inside the cave are a range of carvings including one on the roof of the cave reading 'Remember the Gre..'. What appear to be the remains of a building stand in the mouth of the cave, comprising two short stretches of walling at the east side and another further inside, although date and function are unknown. Site visit during Moray Community Coastal Zone Assessment Survey (CCZAS) in 2022 noted foundations of a substantial wall across the cave mouth, and inside the remains of a fireplace on the east side. Circa 10 m into the cave is a substantial wall with remains of lime pointing. There are numerous masons marks carved into the vertical rood hang just inside the cave mouth.

BUSTER, L, 2019, THE COVESEA CAVES PROJECT FIELDWORK 2018: DATA STRUCTURE REPORT (Bibliographic reference). SAB3809.

Record last edited

Feb 12 2024 2:45PM